Let It Ride: Tough Economic Times Force RTA To Discontinue Routes

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - The national financial crisis has resulted in steep declines in sales tax revenues and state funding for RTA.

To balance the 2010 budget, RTA must address a $17.4 million budget gap. While maintaining fares at their current level (base of $2.25) beyond the expiration of the fuel surcharge period ending on April 1, 2010 can address a portion of that amount ($8.4 million), service levels must be addressed as well.

To meet this requirement, RTA wants to consider comments from the public. All received comments, both given at public hearings or in writing will be analyzed, and appropriate modifications made, if possible. It is anticipated that service changes will be implemented in April.

Public hearings will be held in early January to allow time for all public comments to be considered in developing the final plan. Comments and suggestions can also be emailed to RTA at public-comment@gcrta.org

In developing the service changes listed below, route spacing was considered as well as ridership. RTA would like to have as many residents as possible within about ½ mile of a transit stop. Due to the funding however, meeting this goal may not always possible.

Discontinue all service on the following routes or route segments:

#4 Wade Park

#7 Euclid Hts-Monticello - west of University Circle Station

#9 Mayfield - west of University Circle Station

#12 Woodland

#17 E. 49th - Canal - Rockside

#20A W. 25th-State - south of Pleasant Valley

#20Z Metroparks Zoo (seasonal)

#25 Madison - east of W. 117th - Madison Station

#32 Cedar - west of University Circle Station

#35 W. 25th-Broadview - on Royalton and KenMar

#40 Lakeview-Lee - north of Superior Station

#41 Warrensville Center - on Bear Creek & Meadowbrook

#45 Ridge - south of Tri-C West/Pleasant Valley

#51 Pearl - on Dow Circle

#51F Strongsville PNR (#51 will serve its area)

#52 Westgate

#75 North Olmsted - east of West Park Station and on Lorain between Great Northern and Country Club

#76F Turney

#88 Broadway - Northfield

#145 York Flyer

#239 Euclid - on Babbitt between I-90 and Lake Shore

#246 Westlake - west of the P&R lot

#263 North Olmsted - west and south of the P&R lot

#722 Cleveland Heights High

#742 Bay High

#762 Maple Heights High - Raymond

#781 - #785 - Consolidate N. Olmsted High routes

#791 St. Edwards High

#792 St. Joseph - St. Ignatius

Discontinue evening and weekend service on the following routes or route segments: